The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in alliance with the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Cycling Federation on Friday launched the third annual five stage cycle race under the theme ‘Ride for Life 3’ at the Umana Yana.
Building the awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is the basis on which the event is being built around and according to Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the collaboration of the two ministries is to signal their continued fight against the disease.
“I think that there is no one who can dispute that there is an intimate link between sports and health and that is why my ministry has been fully supportive of this venture from day one and let me say that we will continue to be part of this venture because I believe it serves it’s purpose well,” said Dr. Ramsammy.
The health minister also called on other organizations who deal with the affairs of fighting HIV/AIDS to come onboard the initiative.
Meanwhile Minister responsible for sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, spoke of his ministry’s involvement stating that the idea of the ride emanated out of his office adding that he was pleased to see how much it has grown over the two years.
Dr. Anthony noted that the event has the potential to become a premier cycling event in the Caribbean since after the first hosting in 2007, it attracted cyclists from other Caribbean territories.
President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Hector Edwards noted that the event was seen as a breath of fresh air and something lucrative for the local cyclist to look out for annually.
He said cycling was not known for attracting a large corporate following and as such the two ministries intervention which dates back to the annual three stage race, has pumped new air into the wheels of the sport.
The ‘Ride for life 3’ five-stage race covers 226 miles and will see the riders passing through Corriverton, Rosignol, Wales, Supenaam and Linden.
It runs from November 5-8.
Alonzo Graves holds the distinction of being the first winner of the event though he was dethroned last year by veteran cyclist Junior Niles.
